US Representative proposes bill to grant video game ownership rights

US Representative Ritchie Torres has introduced the 'Power to Players Act,' a legislative proposal aimed at redefining consumer rights in the digital gaming market. The bill seeks to transition the current industry standard of 'licensing' games to actual 'ownership,' ensuring that consumers retain access to their purchased content even after official server support ends. The legislation specifically cites the planned shutdown of NBA 2K25 servers as a primary motivation for the policy. If passed, the bill would empower the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce regulations preventing companies from unilaterally rendering purchased games unplayable. This move marks a significant attempt to address the growing concern over digital preservation and consumer protection in an era where physical media is increasingly replaced by cloud-dependent digital services. The proposal aims to hold publishers accountable for long-term accessibility, potentially reshaping how digital storefronts and game developers manage product lifecycles.